Everything You Need to Know About Going to Cosmetology School
Are you interested in going to cosmetology school? It’s a great way to open many doors for yourself and kickstart your career in the beauty industry. Freedom, flexibility, and fun are all perks of being a beauty professional. However, there’s so many choices to make. That’s why we created this short guide to help you decide which cosmetology school will be the best fit for you.
Why Should I Go To Cosmetology School?
Like many other professions, all cosmetologists who wish to practice in the United States must qualify for a license by successfully passing a state-approved test for the state they wish to practice in. In Illinois, to be eligible for the licensure test, candidates must graduate from a certified cosmetology school with at least 1500 hours of practical and theoretical experience. Click here to view more information about Illinois’ cosmetology requirements. Some states have slightly different license qualifications, but for all, going to school will be required if you wish to legally practice cosmetology in the U.S.
In addition, the knowledge and skills you will learn at cosmetology school will prepare you for operating and even owning a salon. At Rosel School, students learn business and crucial salon management skills in order to prepare them for numerous career opportunities after graduation. These skills will give you an advantage over other applicants and will make you more comfortable in the business environment.
How Long is Cosmetology School?
The duration of the cosmetology program will be depending on whether the student chooses a part time or full time schedule. It will also depend on the school’s curriculum. At Rosel School, full time Cosmetology students take approximately 12 months to complete the course, while part time students will take about 18 months to finish. Our part time schedule is 15-24 hours per week, while our full time schedule is 24-40 hours per week. However other schools might have different schedules, so its good to compare and see which program fits your schedule the best. Its good to keep in mind that every student is different and will learn at varying paces, so your total amount of time spent in school will vary depending on your schedule and learning pace.
How Do I Pick The Best Cosmetology School?
1. You should start by researching cosmetology schools in your area. Sites, such as Beauty Schools Directory, will research the best cosmetology schools in the United States, and compile lists with ranking for each school. Look for accredited schools and read reviews from current and former students. You should look for schools with good student satisfaction, qualified faculty, reasonable tuition, and are accredited by NACCAS.
2. Tour the school: Visit your school of choice to see how you might be a good fit there. See if the facility will make a good learning environment, and meet with faculty to discuss how the school will help you meet your learning goals. You should use this opportunity to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
3. Apply for financial aid: Government aid such as grants, and the FAFSA aid program can be a huge benefit to students who need assistance paying their tuition. At Rosel School, we provide assistance for all students applying for financial aid. Our advisors can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about paying for school. Going to beauty school can be a significant cost, so its important to consider the tuition prices of all nearby cosmetology schools before committing to one.
4. Trust your Instincts: Based on the information you’ve received, and your impressions from visiting the school, will your chosen school meet your expectations and needs? Everyone has different values and priorities, so factors such as location, schedule, cost, and program availability will be of varying importance to each student. Decide what values matter the most to you and chose the school that aligns closest to your vision.
How Do I Pay For School?
For many, going to cosmetology school can be a large expense. Look for schools that are approved by the U.S Department of Education to accept FAFSA financial aid. The FAFSA is a government program that grants tuition assistance to those in need. If deemed eligible, the FAFSA will pay for a significant part of your education. In addition, Rosel School offers additional grants and discounts depending on your financial status and need.
You can also apply for scholarships that are offered by various third party organizations. Thousands of dollars of aid are given by these organizations every year to qualified students. Many of them have some application requirements, so do research on scholarships that you could be eligible for. Click here to view a list of scholarships for beauty school students. In addition, Rosel School offers flexible monthly payment plans for all students. Our financial advisor can give you assistance in applying to financial aid programs, and will help you determine a payment plan that works for you.
Admissions Process
In Illinois, in order to be eligible for enrollment, the student must be at least 18 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. In addition, they must be capable of performing the duties of their chosen specialization, and be able to communicate and understand the English language. To be admitted into the school, the student must acknowledge information, such as the program outline, graduation, placement, and licensure rates. The student will then sign the enrollment contract and make their first tuition deposit. At Rosel School, we offer open enrollment, so students who register are then incorporated into the program as soon as they wish. Other schools may have slightly different requirements for enrollment, so please keep that in mind.
What Comes After Graduation?
Graduating from cosmetology school opens many paths for you to choose. After you successfully pass the state license exam, you may begin work at a variety of different businesses. At Rosel School, we help pair graduated students with employers through our job board, and refer them positions through Indeed and other job directories. Hair salons, medical spas, nail studios, and cosmetology schools are hiring constantly and need beauty professionals like you. Rosel School offers a job board for all students and helps them find employment after graduation. Do research on different roles in a salon and see which position is the best fit for you.
